Polara

(Twin/Tone)
by Joe Hacking

The Dodge Polara was a big boat of a car produced by the Chrysler Corporation during the ’60s and ’70s. You could order it from the factory with all kinds of options. Joanne Johnson had one when I was a kid. It had every option, every electronic and electric power toy you could order on the thing. The band Polara, like Joanne Johnson’s Polara, have opted for all the gadgets. Ed Ackerson, a noted Minneapolis producer, wanted people to play “name that instrument” when listening to Polara’s debut album. Taking a straightforward alternapop sound, Ackerson throws in drum machines, Farfisas, ’70s Moogs, Wurlitzers, and vintage effects pedals, then manipulates everything to create some very interesting music. Combined with tasteful underproduction, it makes for a quasi-retro sound that puts you in the driver’s seat of the ’65 Dodge Polara. Hooks, catchy sound effects and strong writing make Polara an album worthy of parking in your CD player or tape deck.